Deadly Impact
Thursday, December 18th, 2008This week’s (12/16/08) episode of The History Channel series “The Universe” mentions this website created by theoretical geophysicist, H. Jay Melosh. This impact simulator allows the user to enter a projectile’s parameters (size, density, velocity, angle of entry, etc.) to determine the extent of damage it would cause upon impacting the Earth.
Scary & oddly entertaining….
To creat your [...]
Catch a Wave
Thursday, December 11th, 2008While watching the NatGeo program, Journey to the Edge of the Universe, my 10-year-old asked several questions that I thought were well worth answering here on ScienceJunkies.
The program takes us on a virtual tour of the Universe, beginning in our own solar system and moving ever farther away to the outer edges of the Cosmos. As [...]
A Trip Worth Taking
Monday, December 8th, 2008Last night we watched the premier of the stunning National Geographic Channel film, “Journey to the Edge of the Universe”.
The program features arresting CGI representations of some of the most awe-inspiring objects in our universe. The journey begins by visiting each of our closest neighbors right here in our solar system and then forges outward [...]
Solid Smoke
Friday, November 21st, 2008While killing some time before a star show at the Science Center recently, I saw something very interesting at the space exhibit. When I spotted it, I thought it was a hologram. I later learned that people often describe it that way. What it turned out to be was a really remarkable substance called an [...]
Upcoming NatGeo Special takes Viewers on a Cosmic Tour
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008I know what we’ll be watching on Sunday, December 7th…
Journey to the Edge of the Universe, a co-production with Discovery Canada, is a two-hour film by Pioneer Productions that was made entirely using CGI technology.
The film uses breathtaking photographs taken from the Hubble space telescope to create stunning visual sequences.
Based on cutting-edge scientific research, the film [...]
What on Earth?
Monday, November 10th, 2008
A great Earth Science quiz game from our friends at NASA…
Ready to play? CLICK HERE
All That Glitters
Friday, November 7th, 2008My young Science Junkie is fascinated with precious metals and gems. When we visited the Smithsonian this last summer, his favorite exhibit was the hall of gems. He was particularly awed by the Hope Diamond. Well, who wouldn’t be?
Over time he has asked me many questions about gold. Some I could answer off the cuff, others I [...]
Busted Science Myths
Monday, October 20th, 2008More Scientific “Urban Legends” - Let the light of truth shine on!
Myth: Leave a window slightly open during a hurricane or tornado to equalize the air pressure thus minimizing damage to your home.
The Truth: The opposite is actually true. Windows and doorways should be kept tightly shut against high winds generated by such [...]
“You can quote me on that”
Friday, August 22nd, 2008A handful of memorable and humorous quotes from some famous men of science…
There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.
There is another theory which states that this [...]
Star Chores - A Quiz
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008Life on board the International Space Station may seem cool, but NASA doesn’t have maid service. Astronauts have to clean up after themselves, just like the rest of us. Today’s quiz tests your ability to keep house in space.
1. How do Astronauts flush the space toilet?
With a plunger
With a crowbar
With a laser
With a vacuum
2. [...]
